[monkeymadness]

BIG Brother housemates are set to become Gladiators in an all-action fight night.


Fiendish telly bosses plan to stage a no-holds-barred wrestling contest in the BB garden this summer.



And we can reveal that the wannabes will be given skimpy Gladiators-style Lycra outfits to wear as they go to war in an extravagant stunt that should prove a knockout for viewers.



They will be paired off as rivals in the ring for some sweaty sessions involving pinfalls, pile-driving and grappling.



TV chiefs hope to lure a WWE champ such as William Regal, 43, or even sports presenter Dickie Davies, 75, into the house to host the contest.



A source said: “It’s going to be one of the best challenges we have ever pulled off.



“Imagine if we’d had wrestling last year.



“Millions would have tuned in to see Chanelle and Charley – who hated one another – going at it in the ring. It’ll be one of the must-see events of the series. Book your seat now.”



Fans have seen nothing like it since BB5 when curvy Michelle Bass, 27, stripped for a mud-wrestling bout with Nadia Almada, 31.



Meanwhile, bosses have hired private detectives to vet the new batch of wannabes and uncover any saucy secrets before host Davina McCall, 40, sees them on their way into the house.



The private eyes – including ex-police officers with experience in anti-terrorism, arms deals and fraud – have been handed dossiers on the 25 faves in the running to enter the house.



There is pressure on Channel 4 chiefs for BB9 to be a hit, and the producers aim to ensure it is not dogged by scandal.



• Big Brother 9 starts on Thursday June 5 on Channel 4.